Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting today is to engage with the chairpersons designate of Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath on the strategic priorities they have for their respective roles. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Miriam Hughes, chairperson designate of Bus Éireann, who is appearing remotely. She is very welcome and I thank her for her forbearance. We are having difficulties with the connection to Mr. Gary Owens, chairperson designate of Bus Átha Cliath. We hope he will be able to join us at some stage during the meeting.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should be mindful of domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of Leinster House will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask any member participating via MS Teams prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members and all those in attendance in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I now call Ms Hughes to make her opening statement.